Ocean Shipping Reform Act Passed through Senate

The Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2021, which seeks to help fix supply chains and ease shipping backlogs, was passed through the U.S. Senate this past week. The hope is that the act will make it more difficult for ocean carriers to refuse goods ready to export at ports, helping even the playing field for American exporters. A recent AgTC survey found that, on average, 22% of US ag foreign sales could not be completed, and American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duval recently went on record to say farmers have already lost out on nearly $4 billion in ag exports alone.

While differences between the House and Senate versions remain, the two chambers are expected to meet soon to resolve any issues that would impede progress of the bill reaching the president’s desk.

Read more about the proposed guidelines within the bill.